• Help Victoria's prison system reflect community standards
• Visit a prison each month and report what you observe.
• Speak with prisoners, staff and visitors in a challenging setting.
• Have independent access to prison areas and provide your views.
• Honorarium payment per month based on completing one visit per month.

What you will do

As Independent Prison Visitor, you will provide an independent community view of prison operations. You will observe prison routines, speak with people and report your findings to the Minister for Corrections.

You will:

• observe monthly prison operations at your allocated prison/s
• speak with prisoners, staff, visitors and other service providers in a respectful way
• complete a clear online report after each visit
• follow privacy, records, safety and prison operating procedures
• complete required induction and annual refresher training and attend scheme events

About you

You do not need specific qualifications for this volunteer role. You must be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen.

You can work calmly in a prison and communicate with people from different backgrounds. You show resilience, flexibility, self-awareness and respect for others.

You should also have:

• sound computer skills to use online systems, email and Microsoft Office
• good judgement and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations
• clear communication skills and the ability to discuss concerns with care
• respect for diversity and a non-judgemental approach to people from different backgrounds

To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Independent Prison Visitor (IPV) Scheme team at IPVSrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

The Justice Assurance and Review Office will hold online information sessions for potential applicants. Attendance at one session is strongly encouraged as part of the application process.

To register your interest in an information session, please email IPVSrecruitment@justice.vic.gov.au. The sessions will use Microsoft Teams, so please download Microsoft Teams before attending.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Child safety statement of commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.